[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 130 (Wednesday, August 3, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3874-S3875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FLOODING IN KENTUCKY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, tragic flooding continues to devastate

[[Page S3875]]

Eastern Kentucky. In the last few days, I have spoken to State 
legislators and county judge-executives who represent our hardest hit 
counties.
  The Governor reports that Knott County has seen the largest loss of 
life so far. County Judge Dobson tells me the toll may keep rising in 
the coming days.
  State Representative Chris Fugate represents Breathitt, Owsley, and 
Perry Counties. He tells me he is housing about 85 people in his 
church. And the need for shelter for displaced residents will only 
grow.
  State Senator Johnnie Turner represents five counties, including 
Knott and Letcher. He plans to use his own equipment to help clear 
debris from the roads.
  All across Eastern Kentucky, emergency crews are making a herculean 
effort to restore access to power, roads, and running water. The 
Kentucky National Guard has been on the ground and in the air since the 
outset of this emergency, performing breathtaking rescues and rendering 
aid.
  Some of their amazing work was captured on video. Residents stranded 
on the roofs of submerged houses were pulled hundreds of feet into the 
air on a cable and into a helicopter--just extraordinary work.
  I am deeply grateful for the brave men and women of the Kentucky 
National Guard and their service to our State.
  As professional first responders work around the clock, families, 
friends, and neighbors are stepping up as well. One man's actions have 
attracted national attention. On Thursday, an anonymous neighbor helped 
a family of three escape their flooded home. Video footage showed a 98-
year-old grandmother sitting on a bed fully submerged in water. This 
anonymous rescuer whisked that woman, her son, and her grandson to 
safety. All three are now recovering.
  Federal, State, and local officials will continue to do everything 
possible and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. All these courageous 
acts from professionals and ordinary Kentuckians alike will continue to 
provide a hopeful glimmer of humanity in this dark, dark disaster.

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